Obituaries: Jarrard; McGillis – County 17

Gerald Thomas Jarrard: 1945 – 2025

Gerald Thomas “Tom” Jarrard, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and true Wyoming cowboy, passed away on April 27, 2025, in Congress, Arizona, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 79 years old.

Born on May 26, 1945, in Sheridan, Wyoming, Tom grew up riding horses and working cattle on his family’s ranch long before he was old enough for school. A lifelong rancher, horseman, and cowboy, he spent seven decades living the values of hard work, honesty, grit, and loyalty. His legacy was built through commitment, discipline, and hard work, and also through the friendships and deep respect he earned along the way.

Throughout his lifetime, Tom owned and managed numerous ranches and farms across Wyoming, building each with care and leaving them better than he found them. He remained active in ranching well into his later years, embodying the spirit of the West every step of the way. In the final years of his life, in addition to maintaining his place in Wyoming, Tom took great pride in the home and roping arena he built in Congress, Arizona, where he welcomed friends from near and far to visit and rope.

Tom’s journey took him from the ranches of Wyoming to the vast Outback of Australia, and later across the American West, South America, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, Canada, and beyond, as he worked with cattle, trained horses, and contributed to Marlboro advertising campaigns. He was a proud member of the Screen Actors’ Guild (SAG) and found adventure and opportunity in every chapter of his life.  He was a member of the Casper College Rodeo Team that won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s National Championship in 1965. In 2020, Tom was honored with induction into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a man whose life epitomized the true cowboy spirit.

Tom was known not only for his skill and hard work, but for his magnetic personality. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went, and he treasured those friendships deeply. His infectious and distinctive laugh often echoed through social gatherings, branding pens, and arenas where he shared his colorful stories. His tales of adventure, humor, and wisdom were legendary, leaving everyone a little richer for having heard them.

Tom’s first marriage to Edna Irvine resulted in four children. His second marriage was to Linda Sanford.

Tom is survived by his children: Sally Jo Noyce (Dane), Vicki Blomquist (Bud), Mary Kay Jarrard, and TJ Jarrard (Amy); his stepdaughters, Tammy Trollinger (Clay) and Nancy Irvine; his siblings: Sonny Jarrard (Sue), Roy Jarrard, Murph Jarrard, and Tami Jarrard (Neil Johnston); and his grandchildren: Danae McPherson (Milo), Aspen Henrie, Lexi Weber, Tommy Weber, Tatum Berry (Jeff), Jade Holbrook (Flint), Kristan Kenyon, Tyrel Kenyon, TR Jarrard, Tel Jarrard, Aften Fegler, Mason Trollinger, Keeton Zancanella, and Rhyann LaRose. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Jarrard and Katherine Newton; his brother, Dick Jarrard; and his sisters, Lindsay and Madeline Jarrard.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held May 9, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Harness Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo, Wyoming.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Mayo Clinic or the Hoofprints From the Past Museum in Kaycee, Wyoming, at 344 Nolan Avenue, honoring Tom’s lifelong commitment to preserving the spirit and traditions of the cowboy way of life.

“He rode tall, loved deeply, laughed freely, and lived truly. Now he rides the high pastures, where every day is spring and every ride is easy.

Delores Rose McGillis: 1937 – 2025

Delores “Dee” Rose McGillis was 87 years old and passed away April 28, 2025 at Primrose Retirement Community. She was born on June 3, 1937 to Dave and Marge Whisler in Gillette, Wyoming. She was raised on a ranch and completed high school at Rozet, Wyoming.

Upon completing an Associate’s Degree at Sheridan College, she married Bernard “Red” McGillis on March 29, 1957. A beloved mother, wife, grandmother and friend to many. The couple had three children: David, Leonard, and Debbie. She was a homemaker and worked for Campbell County School District for many years, dedicating her life to improving her hometown and the lives of its residents. Dee was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she enjoyed social events and playing cards. Dee was athletic and enjoyed fast pitch softball, golf, and bowling.

Dee is survived by her eldest son, Maj; (USMC, Retired) David McGillis and daughter-in-law, Colonel (USAF, Retired); Gay McGillis of Vista, California; and their four children: April, Jacob, Heather and Christopher; son, Leonard McGillis of Gillette, Wyoming; sister, Barbara Whisler of Sheridan, Wyoming; and numerous nephews and nieces.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Red McGillis; daughter, Debbie McGillis; brother, Don Whisler; and parents, Dave and Marge Whisler.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice. Dee will be buried at a graveside service at Rozet Cemetery in the future.